Hi.

August, and I write sat at home, listening to gentle music, on a day when we could almost dare to think of Summer!

In some parts of our District the rain and flooding have been costly. Our friends at Evesham have had water in both church and manse (ministers house). In Bromyard all was set for a celebration, 150 years of witness and service in the community, and then they were cut off. I have asked for donations to Birmingham Methodist District Benevolent Fund (see * below), both to reach out to our own, but also into the neighbourhoods. We will work at this in conjunction with the Bristol District, and the Red Cross and the Author Rank Centre. Please do what you can, while remembering these folk prayerfully. We are aware that in other parts of Europe it is heat and fire that are causing difficulties, and that in the wider world…

Early July saw two significant events. I was Sixty, and the occasion duly marked (thanks to every one who came or sent greetings) I am know the proud possessor of a travel pass, so I can spend my days off testing the limits of the West Midlands. In the midst of all that excitement the Methodist Conference gathered in Blackpool. This is an annual meeting of the body that has the oversight and governance of the Methodist Church – it’s a bit like our Bishop. We made clear commitments to take seriously the challenge of climate change. We worked hard at re-shaping our church, which is much reduced in size, so as to be effective in the use of our resources for mission. This found particular expression in what we call the Connexional Team, but also asked us all to look carefully at how we do what we do, and could it be more effectively arranged, always with our mission in view. Exciting day ahead I think.

This is good moment to remind you of that valuable publication from the Methodist Publishing House, our prayer handbook, under the title this year of “All things in Christ”.

A story I have found myself telling often recently, has to do with how in my childhood I never encountered the Roman Catholic community, This is something that I regret, especially as in my adult life I have reason to be thankful for many insights into the life of faith that have come from that community to the wider church. I hope that we will not have similar regret about our contact as Christians with our neighbours in other faith communities. Someone once said in my hearing, it is not just a matter of reading about them, but rather of meeting the people and hearing their stories. For many such encounters are in the daily round of things, for others we will have to make an effort, but my experience says it is worth it.

NCH. The Children’s Charity, has an appeal underway in the West Midlands, to raise £300,000 pounds – EVERY CHILD MATTERS. In an effort to make stride towards the total, I was arrested for “being too colourfully attired”! In order to be released I had to raise £1,000 bail. Thank you to all those who made donations during my birthday celebrations, with that money and some additional generous responses I think we will have got beyond that.

Enjoy you Summer, grab it with both hands and do something exciting, you could try the Green Belt festival at Cheltenham race course over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Yours in love

Bill

* Please make payments to "Birmingham Methodist District Benevolent Fund"

and send them to the Birmingham Methodist District Office

(the address is in the District Directory, most Circuit Plans or can be obtained by email to District Enquiries)

Deacon Janet Jenkins and husband Alan at ordination.

President and Vice President making bread for Communion.

Breaking Bread

Deacon Malcolm Knowles collecting Birminbham District candle.